These Chicken Dumplings are juicy, flavorful, and wrapped in soft, tender dough. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they’re versatile and can be steamed, boiled, or pan-fried for a crispy finish.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dumpling Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup water (180ml), warm
For the Chicken Filling:
- 300g (10 oz) minced chicken
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
For Cooking:
- 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan-frying, if applicable)
- Water (for steaming or boiling)
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Gradually add warm water and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- In a bowl, mix minced chicken, onion, green onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
- Stir until well combined and set aside.
Assemble the Dumplings:
- Divide the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
- Roll each ball into a thin circle, about 3 inches in diameter.
- Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper.
- Fold the wrapper over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
- Pinch the edges to seal, pleating if desired.
Cook the Dumplings:
- Steamed Dumplings: Place dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for 12–15 minutes or until the filling is cooked through.
- Boiled Dumplings: Drop dumplings into a pot of boiling water. Cook for 6–8 minutes or until they float.
- Pan-Fried Dumplings: Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place dumplings flat-side down and cook until golden brown on the bottom. Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
Serve:
- Serve hot with soy sauce, chili oil, or your favorite dipping sauce.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables or bok choy.
- Pair with a bowl of hot and sour soup for a complete meal.
- Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.
- Serve with spicy peanut sauce or garlic-infused vinegar for dipping.
- Enjoy alongside fried rice or noodles for a hearty dinner.
Cooking Tips
- Keep the dough covered while assembling to prevent it from drying out.
- Ensure the filling is tightly sealed to avoid leaks during cooking.
- Use a food processor for faster preparation of the filling.
- Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the filling for a smoother texture.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: A lean source of protein.
- Garlic and Ginger: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Green Onions: High in vitamins A and C.
Dietary Information
- Can be made dairy-free.
- Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Nutritional Facts (Per Dumpling – Makes 24)
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 0 g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile cooking methods—steam, boil, or pan-fry.
- Perfectly seasoned chicken filling.
- Fun and easy to make with family or friends.
- Great for meal prep; freeze uncooked dumplings for later.
Conclusion
These Chicken Dumplings are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether steamed for a healthier option or pan-fried for extra crispiness, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze dumplings? Yes, freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen.
- Can I use store-bought wrappers? Yes, round dumpling wrappers work perfectly.
- What can I substitute for chicken? Pork, shrimp, or tofu are excellent alternatives.
- How do I prevent dumplings from sticking? Use parchment paper or lightly grease the steamer basket.
- Can I add vegetables to the filling? Yes, finely chopped carrots, cabbage, or mushrooms are great additions.
- What if the dough is too dry? Add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.
- What’s the best dipping sauce? A mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil.
- Can I bake dumplings? Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, brushing with oil.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Steam or pan-fry until heated through.
- Can I make this recipe spicy? Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the filling or dipping sauce.